CONGRATULATIONS TO CHEF CHRIS POPLIN FROM
IP CASINO RESORT SPA-
Winner of the 2011 Casino Cook-off!
On Saturday, September 24th, the first ever Casino Cook-off presented by Four Roses Bourbon was held at the Gulf Coast Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. Four chefs competed in a live cooking competition, preparing their most favorite Gulf Coast seafood recipes accompanied with Four Roses Bourbon for added zing to each dish!
Thousands of Southern Gaming readers and other foodies voted on the first fifteen chef recipes in an online contest. Chefs entered from all over the Southeast, with seven states represented total. After a 30-day voting period, it was narrowed down to the final four chefs: Chef Glen Chapman from Casino Aztar in Evansville,Indiana, Chef Gunter Kilian from DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, Chef Chris Poplin from IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi, MS and Chef Abel Vergara from Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in Florida. Each of these four chefs were happy to accept the live challenge in hopes to walk away as the first-ever Casino Cook-off Champion.
Only one would become so lucky. The night began with chef introductions and a fantastic food buffet complete with miniature servings of each chef's recipe. Guests were in awe of the competitive Viking cooking platforms on which the chefs were preparing their meals. Along with the amazing Viking set-up was also a Four Roses Bourbon Lounge, where guests could sample the premium Kentucky Bourbon on the rocks or with a specialty cocktail.
Master distiller Jim Rutledge was on hand speaking to guests about the Four Roses Brand, distillery processes and what makes this liquor so unique. Local artist Rochelle Harper and the band Sista Jazz provided musical entertainment throughout the night&#mdash;the perfect added touch to a classic event!
After two rounds of competitive cooking, it was up to five judges to decide the winner of the first ever Casino Cook-off. Each chef was required to use Four Roses Bourbon in their recipe, and the varied usage was quite impressive! The judges, all renowned chefs or Food and Beverage Executives, were blown away by the amazing dishes. The votes were close, but after the final tally, Chef Chris Poplin was announced as Casino Culinary King of the South! The hometown favorite was awarded with cash prizes and top honors with his Tarragon and Chive Crusted Chilean Seabass recipe!
Thank you to all who participated in and attended the 2011 Casino Cook-off presented by Four Roses Bourbon! Congratulations to Chef Chris Poplin from IP Casino Resort Spa for his winning recipe! It was a fantastic event and we look forward to seeing you all again next year. Stay tuned for event details!
>> Click here to see photos from the 2011 Casino Cook-off on Facebook!
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Chef Chris Poplin Executive Chef Chris Poplin has been in the culinary field since he was 16. He practiced his art in fine restaurants in California before accepting a chef position at the glamorous Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Five years later, Poplin experienced Southern cuisine as Executive Chef at Coushatta Resort in Louisiana. After two years, he accepted the position of Executive Chef at IP Casino-Resort-Spa and was instrumental in re-opening the completely remodeled property. His San Diego roots bring a fresh twist to Southern cuisine, proven by recognition and numerous recipe awards over the past 5 years. |
Chef Abel Vergara Chef Abel Vergara attended school at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His culinary experience started in 1984 on the south coast of Puerto Rico in Restaurant El Galleon. In 1987 he moved to New York City where he held positions at Janh’s Restaurant in Benson Hurts Brooklyn. By the late 80’s Chef Abel held positions at Sparks Steak House in New York and Loews Glen point hotels in New Jersey. In the early 90’s Chef Abel traveled the southern states of Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama and then finally relocated to South Florida to help open well-known restaurants like Abe & Louis Steak House, Bistro 17 Renascence Hotel and El Versailles in Miami. Chef Abel has been with The Seminole Casino at Coconut Creek at Fresh Harvest since 2007.
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Chef Glen Chapman Chef Glen Chapman has been cooking since he was 16 years old. His love of the culinary arts eventually led him to Casino Aztar where he has been preparing dishes and menus for 14 years. Glen Chapman is the Executive Sous Chef at Cavanaugh's. For the past three years Cavanaugh's has received the prestigious Evansville Courier & Press annual "Readers Choice Gold Award". |
Chef Gunter Kilian Born in Germany, Chef Gunter Kilian has traveled the world as a chef. He has worked in Baden, Berlin, Island Sylt and on two cruise ships M S Europa and T S Hanseatic. He has experience in well-known restaurants & resorts in the United States such as, The Wine Cellar in Florida, Bay Valley Inn in Michigan and Marriott’s Grand Hotel in Alabama. He has also catered an Hors d’oeuvre and Dessert party for Queen Elizabeth in King Hussein’s Palace. Other’s catered for were former French President Giscard d’Estings, Jimmy Carter and Charlton Heston. |
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This event is partially funded by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitor's Bureau.